St. Paul declares state of emergency

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman has declared a state of emergency as the city braces for its worst flooding since 2001.

The Mississippi River is predicted to rise another 2 feet before cresting in St. Paul on Thursday. At the peak, waters will reach a projected 6.5 feet above flood stage.

The disaster declaration would allow the city to seek reimbursement for flood related expenses if the federal government releases relief funds to Minnesota. St. Paul has already spent an estimated $1.7 million to prepare for flooding.